King James Version

What Does Psalms 11:6 Mean?

Psalms 11:6 in the King James Version says “Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cu...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. an horrible: or, a burning tempest”

Psalms 11:6 · KJV

Context

4

The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

5

The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

6

Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. an horrible: or, a burning tempest

7

For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Read Psalms 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's judgment using the imagery of Sodom and Gomorrah—fire, brimstone, and scorching wind. The 'cup' metaphor appears throughout Scripture as God's wrath (Jeremiah 25:15, Revelation 14:10). Reformed theology sees this as God's active judgment, not mere natural consequences. The 'portion of their cup' indicates appointed, measured judgment—God's justice is exact, not capricious.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written with reference to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), which became Israel's paradigmatic example of divine judgment against wickedness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you reconcile God's love with His wrath against sin?
  2. What does the certainty of judgment teach about the seriousness of sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
יַמְטֵ֥ר1 of 10

“he shall rain”

H4305

to rain

עַל2 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רְשָׁעִ֗ים3 of 10

“Upon the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

פַּ֫חִ֥ים4 of 10

“snares”

H6341

a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)

אֵ֣שׁ5 of 10

“fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְ֭גָפְרִית6 of 10

“and brimstone”

H1614

properly, cypress-resin; by analogy, sulphur (as equally inflammable)

וְר֥וּחַ7 of 10

“tempest”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

זִלְעָפ֗וֹת8 of 10

“and an horrible”

H2152

a glow (of wind or anger); also a famine (as consuming)

מְנָ֣ת9 of 10

“this shall be the portion”

H4521

an allotment (by courtesy, law or providence)

כּוֹסָֽם׃10 of 10

“of their cup”

H3563

a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 11:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 38:22Genesis 19:24Ezekiel 13:13Luke 17:29Psalms 75:8Job 20:23

Test Your Knowledge

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